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Community gathers outside Camden County courthouse to protest officer's hearing

A judge will decide if the former Kingsland police officer charged in the shooting death of Tony Green will be released.

Green’s family members and friends gathered outside the Camden County Courthouse Tuesday shortly before Zechariah Presley’s hearing.

The emotions from outside spilled into a divided courtroom.

The 26-year-old is charged with voluntary manslaughter.

Investigators say he shot and killed Green, who ran away during a traffic stop in June.

The 33-year-old’s sister Shalanda Roche told Action News Jax, “I wake up every day thinking about my brother, every day.”

Roche and other family members want the charge upgraded to murder.

She explained, “I just want justice for my brother and for all of us.”

Presley kept his head down Tuesday while the defense argued he’s not a threat or a flight risk.

Green’s family attorney said they disagree.

“He is in fact a danger to the community – he has been and he still is,” said Reginald Green.

When asked, Presley’s loved ones said they had no comment.

The judge said he’ll issue an order in a timely manner.